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Bose Sound Quality?

brendon444

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USAFASME7 Enthusiast

USAFASME7

Posted
Posted

For years, I've gutted car after car, to completely replace the audio system. It's getting a little old (am so am I). While any stock audio system could never rival a full-on aftermarket set-up, I think the OEM Bose system in my new 2014 sounds pretty damn good. I have the center console with the subwoofer. I agree that the bass could be lower, but I'm planning on adding the Kicker Box w/integrated amp they now make for the new Silverado. I've heard good things about it. It should let me turn down the bass to the OEM sub and speakers; allowing them to play a little more cleanly while letting the dedicated SUB woofer play the extreme lows.

 

One thing I ALWAYS do to my vehicles is Dynamat the inside of the outer door skins, and I apply 1-2 layers of 1/8" thick "Volara" Sound-Barrier Neoprene foam to the back sides of the door panels. It makes a world of difference! Dynamat soaks-up and dampens vibration. The Volara foam blocks any road noise / sound from making it through the doors. Dynamat can't do it all.

 

In fact, I "say" I use Dynamat, but I've actually discovered a more mainstream product called "Peel-n-Seal" that is made by Cofair Products in Maryland...the same company that produces Dynamat, and it is a FRACTION of the cost. It is marketed as a window and door trim flashing sealer. It is a little thinner, about the same thickness as the original Dynamat. It is a Butyl Rubber / Asphault compound with a very powerful adhesive. I call it "Redneck Dynamat". I refuse to buy Dynamat anymore, as it is overpriced.

 

I've applied "Redneck Dynamat" to my last few vehicles, and it makes a world of difference! It sticks really well too. Hell, I applied it to the back side of my aluminum-skinned garage door in small sections, and you wouldn't believe how much quieter it is now!

 

Anyway, I like the OEM Bose system, but will probably add the Kicker Sub Upgrade under the back seat. I will also apply my Redneck Dynamat and Volara Sound Barrier foam to the doors to improve the already quiet ride of the Silverado.

crewl1 Enthusiast

crewl1

Posted
Posted

The Silverado ride is so much quieter than my previous truck already, I am afraid I will not hear ambulance or fire engine sirens if I have the windows rolled up.

USAFASME7 Enthusiast

USAFASME7

Posted
Posted

BTW, I also think the "sound stage" of the OEM Bose system is actually pretty good. Especially with live music. I am particularly pleased that the back door speakers actually sound good too, not muddy and washed out like previous models. I've had a Murano, a 350Z Roadster and an Avalanche all with Bose...and the Silverado sounds the best hands down.

Darth_Vader Enthusiast

Darth_Vader

Posted
Posted

Turn the Auto-Volume up to "High". Makes a world of difference

 

This added about 25% more volume on my RC, which was needed as I was maxing the volume out on the highway without it.

jimlem Enthusiast

jimlem

Posted
Posted

For years, I've gutted car after car, to completely replace the audio system. It's getting a little old (am so am I). While any stock audio system could never rival a full-on aftermarket set-up, I think the OEM Bose system in my new 2014 sounds pretty damn good. I have the center console with the subwoofer. I agree that the bass could be lower, but I'm planning on adding the Kicker Box w/integrated amp they now make for the new Silverado. I've heard good things about it. It should let me turn down the bass to the OEM sub and speakers; allowing them to play a little more cleanly while letting the dedicated SUB woofer play the extreme lows.

 

One thing I ALWAYS do to my vehicles is Dynamat the inside of the outer door skins, and I apply 1-2 layers of 1/8" thick "Volara" Sound-Barrier Neoprene foam to the back sides of the door panels. It makes a world of difference! Dynamat soaks-up and dampens vibration. The Volara foam blocks any road noise / sound from making it through the doors. Dynamat can't do it all.

 

In fact, I "say" I use Dynamat, but I've actually discovered a more mainstream product called "Peel-n-Seal" that is made by Cofair Products in Maryland...the same company that produces Dynamat, and it is a FRACTION of the cost. It is marketed as a window and door trim flashing sealer. It is a little thinner, about the same thickness as the original Dynamat. It is a Butyl Rubber / Asphault compound with a very powerful adhesive. I call it "Redneck Dynamat". I refuse to buy Dynamat anymore, as it is overpriced.

 

I've applied "Redneck Dynamat" to my last few vehicles, and it makes a world of difference! It sticks really well too. Hell, I applied it to the back side of my aluminum-skinned garage door in small sections, and you wouldn't believe how much quieter it is now!

 

Anyway, I like the OEM Bose system, but will probably add the Kicker Sub Upgrade under the back seat. I will also apply my Redneck Dynamat and Volara Sound Barrier foam to the doors to improve the already quiet ride of the Silverado.

Rob - Could you supply a link where to see this new for Silverado, Kicker box+amp+speaker? Any idea where and how it installs. Thanks. Also if you do it, maybe you could do a detailed write up with photos etc. Besides me, there's probably 9 pages of people here who would appreciate it just as much. Thanks.

 

Jim

USAFASME7 Enthusiast

USAFASME7

Posted
Posted

Rob - Could you supply a link where to see this new for Silverado, Kicker box+amp+speaker? Any idea where and how it installs. Thanks. Also if you do it, maybe you could do a detailed write up with photos etc. Besides me, there's probably 9 pages of people here who would appreciate it just as much. Thanks.

 

Jim

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_206SSIRE14/Kicker-VSS-8482-SubStage-8482-SSICRE14.html?tp=61674

 

It's called the Kicker VSS SubStage SSICRE14. The box specifically fits Silverados and Sierras. It works with Bose and non-Bose systems, and hooks into factory wiring. It's the perfect bass solution for someone who doesn't want to heavily modify a vehicle.

 

One 10" Kicker sub with a built-in 200Watt Amplifier. Crutchfield sells it for $699, but Amazon has it for around $575 I think with free shipping. I may ask "Santa" for it for X-mas LOL.

  • 1 month later...
crewl1 Enthusiast

crewl1

Posted
Posted

The Bose system in my truck is sounding better to me now.

 

Not sure if it has broken in or what, but I also shifted the center balance point back a couple of clicks which has helped.

Initially I think the dash speakers were overpowering the system and the sound seemed to be coming out of the windshield.

By moving the soundstage back a bit the rear door speakers are providing more fill and the dash speakers don't overpower the sound.

 

I have also been using my own audio files on the SD card as a source vs the radio or that horrible XM.

(Wow I can't believe how much they compress the content on XM, sounds like listening through paper cups and a string.)

 

The only thing missing is feeling the bass notes.

The Bose sub in the console does a good job of extending the low frequencies but it doesn't make you feel any vibrations, only hear them.

Like when you have good headphones on, you can hear the bass notes in your ears but your body gets no other sensation.

 

My next upgrade will be adding a sub under one of the back seats, because otherwise the system sounds good. Debating whether a 10 is needed or if an 8" will do the trick. I'd like to be able to have the box under the passenger side seat so if I need to flip up the back seat I have more room available with the left side up.

 

is anyone running an 8" sub add on and can comment on the sound, and recommend some units to consider?

 

The kicker unit above could be an option. In the link it has some pictures, does anyone know what the picture of the under dash is supposed to be showing? I thought this was a self contained amp?

GMCguy78 Enthusiast

GMCguy78

Posted
Posted

I think they sound great in my 15', they sound a lot better than the Bose in the 11' I had

redwngr Senior Enthusiast

redwngr

Posted
Posted

From GM accessories:

AUDIO - ASSOCIATED ACCESSORIES
This Kicker® Powered Subwoofer and Amp audio system duplicates the musical accuracy of live concert experiences minus the crowds. It adds big-bass subwoofer punch in a small space along with high-efficiency low power-draw amplifiers and a unique sound signature from multi-channel amps with Digital Signal Processing (DSP). Non-GM Warranty. For details on warranty provided by Kicker® please call 1-800-256-5425.
Item Part No. MSRP
Audio - Kicker 200 Watt Powered Subwoofer Kit 19303116 $659.00
Audio - Kicker 200 Watt Powered Subwoofer Kit 19303118 $659.00
Audio - Kicker 200 / 400 Watt Powered Subwoofer and Amp, Double Cab 19303115 $1,059.00
Audio - 200 / 400 Watt Powered Subwoofer and Amp 19303117 $1,059.00
  • 4 months later...
b-garage Enthusiast

b-garage

Posted
Posted

On the 2016's you can get the 7 speaker system on an LT, see below.

 

From the "build your own".....

 

Bose® sound system
The premium Bose® audio system features 6 speakers located throughout the cabin for rich, clear acoustics. It includes:
  • 6-speaker system
  • Active Noise Cancellation system when ordered with the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine and bucket seats
  • 7-speaker system with subwoofer when ordered with bucket seats
  • LT requires LT Convenience Package or All Star Edition
  • LTZ requires available LTZ Plus Package, Texas Edition or Sport

I will verify when I get home. I just picked up a 2016 LT Z71 with the Bose and I am highly disappointed. My 13 GMC 3500 Denali sounded way better.

 

big rog

mitchellb2005 Enthusiast

mitchellb2005

Posted
Posted

My Bose sounds okay, but in my 08 Tahoe, it sounded awesome! It also had a console mounted sub, but it had much more low end base than the Sierra.

 

 

It there any way to simply replace the factory Bose 6" sub thats in the console with a JL 6" sub? I just want a little more bass, I dont need anything crazy

b-garage Enthusiast

b-garage

Posted
Posted

On the 2016's you can get the 7 speaker system on an LT, see below.

 

From the "build your own".....

 

Bose® sound system

The premium Bose® audio system features 6 speakers located throughout the cabin for rich, clear acoustics. It includes:

 

  • 6-speaker system
  • Active Noise Cancellation system when ordered with the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine and bucket seats
  • 7-speaker system with subwoofer when ordered with bucket seats
  • LT requires LT Convenience Package or All Star Edition
  • LTZ requires available LTZ Plus Package, Texas Edition or Sport
I will verify when I get home. I just picked up a 2016 LT Z71 with the Bose and I am highly disappointed. My 13 GMC 3500 Denali sounded way better.

 

big rog

I checked and mine does have the amp on the wall behind the rear seat. Have to assume the subwoofer is under the console.

 

Have to admit Im kinda ticked that you pay an extra $500 for the Blose upgrade and it sounds the way it does. My Kia Optima has a factory Infinity system that sounds 10x better, and the whole car costs half as much as the truck did. And it came with heated steering wheel, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, NAV, giant sun roof, etc.

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